Snapping Turtles in Lake Champlain

Snapping Turtle

Snapping Turtle

The Snapping Turtle is the largest turtle found in Lake Champlain and one of the largest turtles found in North America. It is a very aggressive predator that will snap at anything that it perceives as a threat. The snap of its jaws is so powerful that it can easily sever a finger or toe, so keep a safe distance.

The snapping turtle is a very adaptable reptile found in slow moving, shallow water with a muddy bottom. Females can be found moving to higher nesting locations mostly in the early morning or early evening. The preferred nesting locations are usually within 100′ of water and typically are composed of sandy or loamy soil.

Snapping Turtle Description

A snapping turtle can live for thirty to forty years on average, grow to shell lengths of over twenty inches and weights from eight to thirty-five pounds. It has an upper shell that can range in color from black to tan,  brown or even an olive gray. The shell has three ridges called keels. They have long tails with saw-toothed ridges.

Snapping Turtle Behavior

Snapping Turtle

Snapping Turtle Crossing Road

A snapping turtle will bury itself in the muddy bottom of the body of water with only its eyes and nostrils showing and lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. It feeds on fish, frogs, insects and even small birds and mammals. The turtle overwinters under the muddy bottom of the water and is not usually seen between November and April.

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